Detroit vs Portage: Air Traffic Controller Salary (2026)
Compare air traffic controller salaries between Detroit, MI and Portage, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | Portage, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $182,893▲ | $133,878 |
| Hourly Rate | $87.93▲ | $64.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $102,785▲ | $77,650 |
| 25th Percentile | $122,304▲ | $96,392 |
| 75th Percentile | $201,868▲ | $171,365 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $219,849▲ | $190,465 |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for air traffic controllers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portage.
The salary gap between Detroit and Portage is $49,015 (36.61%). Detroit's median is +20.41% compared to the US national median of $151,886.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Detroit spans $117,064,Portage spans $112,815. Detroit has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Detroit ($182,350 effective) pays 26.94% more than Portage ($143,646 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($182,893/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($219,849)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $182,350)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Portage if…
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, air traffic controller salaries in Detroit grew 16.7% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 12.2% growth in Portage over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$152,740 (2022) → $178,310 (2025)
Portage, MI
$116,350 (2024) → $130,524 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
Portage, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays air traffic controllers more: Detroit or Portage?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and Portage?
Should I relocate from Detroit to Portage as a air traffic controller?
What do entry-level air traffic controllers earn in Detroit vs Portage?
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.57% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov